Checklist of steps

Place mouthpiece in mouth (without biting) and close lips to form a good seal. (Keep inhaler horizontal)

Breathe in steadily and deeply

Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable

While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth

Breathe out gently (away from inhaler)

Close cover to click shut

If more than one dose is needed,* repeat all steps starting from step 2

* Not usually appropriate for medicines delivered by Accuhaler.

Your inhaler will come with instructions in the package. Always check the package insert for any specific instructions.

Common problems

Not loading a dose before inhaling

Not holding the inhaler horizontally while loading and taking the dose

Not breathing in strongly enough to draw the medication out of the inhaler

Not holding breath for long enough

Moisture getting inside from breathing into the inhaler or leaving the cover open

Tips

Never hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece pointing down during or after loading a dose, as this can dislodge the medication. Keep it horizontal.

You can test whether you are breathing in strongly enough by placing a dark handkerchief or fine cloth over the mouthpiece before using the inhaler. A very fine layer of powder should be visible on the cloth if you have breathed in strongly enough to draw medication out of the inhaler.

Always close the inhaler after use

If you are using this inhaler for a corticosteroid preventer medication, rinse your mouth with water and spit after inhaling the last dose to reduce the risk of side-effects

Different brands of inhalers sometimes have slightly different instructions to each other for similar steps. The checklists in our How-To Video library have been simplified and standardised where possible to reduce confusion.

Your inhaler will come with instructions in the package. Always check the package insert for any specific instructions.

Other inhaler types

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Ms Judi Wicking, asthma and respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.

Development of this How-to video was supported by the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs as part of the Prevent Puffer Problems campaign. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.

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